Performers – Program – Schedule and Locations – Cost – Registration – Other Details
May 8-9, 2026
Expect a variety of dances expertly taught and prompted, music to lift your heart, amiable company, sumptuous refreshment, exquisite decoration, imaginative costumes, and — most of all — delightful dancing by all!
Costumers, please note: Fancy dress of any historical period (past, present, or future) is encouraged, but by no means required.
Performers
Our Dancing Master
After fifteen years as an avid contra dancer and caller, David Millstone fell in love with English country dance at Pinewoods Camp in 1987. He has been leading ECD for the past thirty years, and is known for clear and concise instructions, a broad repertoire, a gentle sense of humor, and the ability to pick dances that offer the right level of challenge for all audiences. A member of the Governing Board of Country Dance and Song Society from 2002–2008, he served as CDSS President from 2012–2018.
In addition to leading a local English series in Norwich, Vermont, David has been featured at dance weekends and camps throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. He led dances at the Fine Companions special session to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Pinewoods Camp. In 2026, he will be honored with the CDSS Lifetime Contribution Award.
And Three Outstanding Instrumentalists
After decades as a classical violinist, Ben Jackson has recently discovered the joy of making dancers’ feet fly across the floor. Since first encountering the country dance world four years ago, he has appeared at English and contra dances across the country with bands Forgery and Blind Carbon Copy, and other frequent collaborators including Jeff Spero, Dave Bartley, Audrey Jaber, and more. Ben is currently enrolled in a graduate program in violin at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester. He will delight you with his fiddle wizardry
Eileen Kalfass, the daughter of Syracuse’s own Bob Nicholson, grew up dancing and fiddling for dances. She has played nationally with such bands as Seaglass and Continental Drift, and plays frequently with Jane as part of Sister Haggis. Her award-winning solo recording, “Crossing Bridges” features collaborations with a variety of amazing dance musicians. Eileen’s fiddling is warm, expressive, and rhythmic.
Jane Knoeck is a beloved and sought after accompanist for contra, English country, and Scottish country dance. Hailing from Rochester, she was a founding member of The Groovemongers and Montage, as well as several other superb bands, including Riverbend, and (with Eileen) New Brew and Shandy. Her inventive piano style is rooted in tradition and eminently danceable.
Program
Dances will be selected from the following list.
(Italics indicate older dances.)
Most dance titles link to a video example.
* David is presenting a variation of Elverton Grove by John Millar for which we cannot find video. Come to a prep session to experience the dance.
A PDF of dance instructions will be provided.
Schedule and Locations
Prep sessions
The program above includes dances that vary greatly in difficulty level. Come get a sneak preview of all the more complex material. A little practice goes a long way!
Our regular English country dances at Manlius Village Auditorium on March 28, Aprill 11, and April 25 will also include lots of ball dances. We also have two dedicated afternoon prep sessions planned and the United Church of Fayetteville, which will focus entirely on the ball dances. Note that the afternoon sessions are followed by an evening contra dance. Consider having some dinner locally, and then come back at 7:00 for more dancing!
Opportunities for Ball Prep
Pre-registration NOT required
3/28, 7-10 pm – Evening English dance at MVP
4/11, 7-10 pm – Evening English dance at MVP
4/18, 2 – 5 pm – Afternoon prep session at UCF
4/25, 7-10 pm – Evening English dance at MVP
5/02, 2 – 5 pm – Afternoon prep session at UCF
Advanced dance with Ben, Eileen, Jane, and multiple callers
Friday, May 8, 7:30-10:30 PM
United Church of Fayetteville
Pre-registration NOT required
A panoply of callers teaching a variety of dances not on the ball program
Familiarity with English country dance figures is assumed
Ball dance practice with Ben, Eileen, Jane, and David
Saturday, May 9, 1-4 PM
Grace Episcopal Church
819 Madison Street, Syracuse
Pre-registration required
The Syracuse Assembly Ball with Ben, Eileen, Jane, and David
Saturday, May 9, 7-11 PM
Grace Episcopal Church
819 Madison Street, Syracuse
Pre-registration required
Cost
Recommended donation:
$10 for any of the evening dances or afternoon prep sessions
$15 for Friday evening advanced dance
$50 for all day Saturday (includes Ball practice and the Ball itself)
As at all Syracuse Country Dancers’ events, we encourage those with the means to support the dance financially to increase their contribution, and those with limited income to pay less. Contact our registrar if you have any questions about cost.
Registration
To ensure there will be enough space for attendees to thoroughly enjoy the dancing, we will once again cap the Ball at 80 dancers.
Where to stay? Where to eat?
The registration form includes a line where you can either request or offer hospitality. If you are interested in staying with a local dancer, please let us know when you register. We cannot guarantee finding beds for everyone who requests one, but if you get your request in early we will do our best to match you with a good host. Information on other local accommodations is available from VisitSyracuse.org
A list of eateries near the dance will be provided.
The Syracuse Assembly is partially sponsored in memory of Gretchen Pearson.